Laura Brondos

The meeting included several commission reports and new business items. Key discussions involved governance issues related to NOACA board representation criteria, with Mayor Bobst being reappointed as the representative. The Land Bank reported on year-end financials, funding challenges due to reduced state and federal sources, and ongoing redevelopment efforts near the Gemini Center. The County Planning Commission presented an early-stage proposal for a County Unified Zoning Code aimed at standardization. For infrastructure funding under Senator Husted, projects in Fairview Park and Lakewood, along with Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements, were noted as submitted. The CCESAB section detailed the reallocation of unused UASI 2023 grant funds and ongoing preparations for compiling data for the WEB Mobile Field Force Unit. New business focused on a proposal from the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) regarding connecting unhoused individuals to services, which received general support. Finally, approval was granted to proceed with hiring a replacement for a retiring WEB Agent, scheduled to be onboarded in 2026.

The agenda for the City Council meeting included several legislative items requiring first, second, and third readings, many of which were declared emergency measures. Key ordinances involved the dedication of a public right-of-way easement for West 220 Street and Mastick Road, the vacation of sections of West 228th and 229th Streets south of Interstate 480, accepting the 2026 NOPEC Energized Community Grant of $46,143.00 for energy efficiency projects, authorizing an agreement with the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works (CCDPW) for sewer and road work up to $400,000.00, amending street cleaning deposit and street opening regulations, authorizing the purchase of turnout gear for the Fire Department, and authorizing lease financing for Service and Fire Department vehicles. Discussions also covered IT services contracts, the purchase of portable message signs, and amendments regarding Summerfest alcoholic beverage sales.

The document outlines the agenda for a combined Council Organizational Meeting and Regular Council Meeting scheduled for January 5, 2026. The organizational portion included the swearing-in of new council members for Wards 1 through 4, followed by an Executive Session to consider the appointment of a public employee or official. The regular Council Meeting agenda included legislative items on first reading, such as authorizing a Computer Services Contract with Simvay LLC and the purchase of a Portable Message Sign. Legislation slated for final passage included ordinances for West 210 Resurfacing contracts and adopting the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay District. Other discussions referenced in connected minutes include updates on the Gemini Center construction, amendments to Chapter 143 Employment Provisions, establishing a moratorium on smoke shops, and awarding contracts for the City Hall Campus Phase 2 environmental work.

The agenda for the meeting included legislation on first reading for various ordinances, such as contracts with the City Engineer for Belvidere Ave and Circlewood Dr waterline and sewer projects, a Summerfest alcohol sales ordinance, and a lease financing agreement for service and fire vehicles. Legislation on second reading included contracts for computer services and a portable message sign. The session included an Executive Session to consider the appointment of a public employee or official. The minutes from the previous meetings of December 1 and December 15, 2025, were subject to approval.

The documents contain minutes from several meetings, including a Council Organizational Meeting scheduled for January 5, 2026, which included an organizational session and caucus, and an executive session to consider the appointment of a public employee or official. Key legislative items for the January meeting included authorizing a Computer Services Contract with Simvay LLC and purchasing a Portable Message Sign. The minutes also detail previous meetings from 2025, covering the August 4 Special Meeting where emergency passage was used to award a contract for Stanford Avenue waterline improvements and to submit a tax renewal to voters. The September 15 Regular Meeting included the acceptance of the City Council President's resignation, committee reports on the Gemini Center Rehabilitation Project scope/timeline changes, Ordinance 25-47 regarding Employment Provisions updates, and Ordinance 25-54 authorizing special counsel for union negotiations. The October 6 Regular Meeting saw the appointment of a new President of Council and continued discussions and passage of legislation related to the Smoke Shop Moratorium (Resolution 25-15) and updates to Employment Provisions (Ordinance 25-47).